Vitamins

The Nature of Vitamins

Essential, non-caloric, organic nutrient needed in tiny amounts in the diet for normal function, growth and maintenance. There are about 15 vitamins, essential for humans classified as fat soluble and water soluble vitamins. Fat soluble: A, D, E and K Water soluble: C and B group. The B complex vitamins may be sub divided into (B1, B2, B6, biotin etc) and hematopoietic (folic acid and B12).

Fat Soluble Vitamins

Vitamins A, D, E and K Require bile for absorption, dissolve in fat before they are absorbed in the blood stream to carry out their functions. Excesses of these vitamins are stored in the liver. Because they are stored, they are not needed every day in the diet.

Vitamin A

In plants, vitamin A only exists in its precursor form (Betacarotene). Retinol (active form stored in the liver) converted by cells into its other two active forms, retinal and retinoic acid, as needed Vitamin A plays a role in Gene expression Vision Maintenance of body linings and skin Immune defenses Growth of bones and of the body Normal development of cells Reproduction

Vitamin A and Eyesight

Vitamin A is part of the rhodopsin molecule, a pigment within the cells of the retina. When light falls on the eye, it bleaches rhodopsin, which breaks off the vitamin A, initiating a signal that conveys the sensation of sight to the optic center of the brain. A more serious deficiency of vitamin A occurs when the protein keratin accumulates and clouds the eyes outer vitamin A-dependent part, the cornea. Keratinization of the cornea can lead to xerosis (drying) and then progress to thickening and permanent blindness, xerophthalmia.

Vitamin D

Also known as Calciferol due to its role in calcium absorption Main role is to maintain calcium and potassium levels Can be made from cholesterol Vitamin D functions as a hormone to: Regulate blood calcium and phosphorus levels, thereby maintaining bone integrity To replenish blood calcium, Vitamin D stimulates maturation of cells, including immune cells that defend against disease

Vitamin D Deficiencies

In children: Rickets (malformed bones, bow legs)

In adults: Poor mineralization of bone results in osteomalacia.

Vitamin E
Tocopherol Tocopherol Tocopheryl (Acetate, Succinate)
Alpha

Vitamin E is an antioxidant.

Oxidative damage occurs when highly unstable molecules known as free radicals, formed normally during cell metabolism, run amok and disrupt cellular structures. Antioxidant Reduce the energy of the free radical Stop the free radical from forming in the first place Interrupt an oxidizing chain reaction to minimize the damage of free radicals

Vitamin E Deficiency

Deficiencies are almost never seen in healthy humans. A classic vitamin E deficiency occurs in premature babies born before the transfer of the vitamin from mother to the infant, which takes place in the last weeks of pregnancy. Infants RBC lyse and infant becomes anemic Suppresses the immune system because vitamin E protects White Blood Cells

Vitamin K

Contributes to synthesis of seven blood clotting factors Main function of vitamin K is to help synthesize proteins that involved in blood clotting. Contributes to the modification of prothrombin to thrombin Works as a cofactor for the synthesis an enzyme that makes key bone proteins. Vitamin K Deficiency

Deficiency results in tendency for bleeding.

Water Soluble Vitamins

Dissolve in water and are not stored in the body. They are eliminated in urine; so a continuous supply of them are needed. They function as coenzymes that help the body obtain energy from food. They also are important for normal appetite, good vision, healthy skin, healthy nervous system and red blood cell formation.

Vitamin B Complex
Scientific Names

Common Names B1 B2 Niacin B6 Folate, Folic acid B12

Thiamin Riboflavin Nicotinic acid Pyridoxine Folacin Cobalamin pantothenic acid Biotin

B1 Thiamin
Important

in:

Producing energy from carbohydrates Plays a critical role in the energy metabolism of all cells. Occupies a site on nerve cell membranes. Proper nerve function Thiamin Deficiency Beri-Beri anorexia, fatigue, depression effects on cardiovascular system nervous system

B-2 Riboflavin

Important in: Energy production Carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism Formation of antibodies and red blood cells Maintenance of good vision, skin, nails, and hair It is the central component of the cofactor (FAD). Deficiency Itching and burning eyes Bloodshot eyes Dermatitis Oily skin Digestive disturbances (stomatitis)

B-3, Niacinamide, Niacin, Nicotinic Acid

Participates in energy metabolism of every cell. Important in: energy production maintenance of skin and tongue improves circulation maintenance of nervous system health of the digestive track

Biochemical Functions of B-3

Oxidation-Reduction Reactions (NAD/NADH) Dehydrogenases Electron Transport System Involved in energy production

Synthetic Pathways (NADPH) FAs. synthesis Cholesterol synthesis Purine & Pyrimidine synthesis

B-3 Deficiency

Niacin deficiency lead to pellegra: Dermatitis: skin inflammation

Diarrhea: poor absorption Dementia: no energy to think, confused, disoriented

Gastrointestinal disturbance, loss of appetite Headache, insomnia, mental depression Fatigue, aches, and pains Nervousness, irritability

B-6 Pyridoxine
Vitamin B6 participates in more than 100 reactions in body tissues. It is the precursor of pyridoxal phosphat : cofactor for the enzyme aromatic amino acid decarboxylase. Immunity Nervous system functions Reducing muscle spasms and cramps Maintaining proper balance of sodium and phosphorous in the body Plays important roles in the synthesis of hemoglobin and neurotransmitters Critical to fetal nervous system development

B-6 Deficiency

Nervousness, insomnia Loss of muscle control, muscle weakness Convulsions Arm and leg cramps Water retention Skin lesions

B-12 Cobalamin

Important in: proper nerve function production of red blood cells metabolizing fats and proteins prevention of anemia DNA reproduction energy production? Vitamin B12 and folate are closely related: each depends on the other for activation. Main roles: helps maintain nerves and is a part of coenzymes needed in new blood cell synthesis.

Vitamin B12

Intrinsic factor is a compound made by the stomach needed for the absorption of B12. A few people have an inherited defect in the gene for intrinsic factor, which makes B12 absorption poor. Vitamin B12 must be injected to bypass the defective absorptive system. This anemia of the vitamin B12 deficiency caused by a lack of intrinsic factor is known as pernicious anemia.

B-12 Deficiency

Pernicious anemia Megaloblastic anemia Methyl-folate trap Delayed or failure of normal cell division due to impaired DNA synthesis

Folate
Folate: naturally occurring form in foods Folic acid: synthetic form of folate added to foods and supplements Folic acids or folacin Latin folium leaf is abundantly found in green leafy vegetables. Functions: Vital for DNA synthesis Maintain new cells, including red blood cells Help body use amino acids Reduces risks of some cancers

Folate Deficiency

Observed primarily in the pregnant women, in both developed and developing countries. The pregnant women, lactating women, and women on oral contraceptives are also susceptible to folate deficiency. Megaloblastic Anemia decreased DNA synthesis failure of bone marrow cells to divide results in large immature RBCs contrast with microcytic hypochromic anemia

Folate and Birth Defects

Adequate intakes of folate during pregnancy can reduce a womans chances of having a child with a neural tube defect (NTD). World prevalence: 400,000 live births with NTDs/yr NTD arise in the first days or weeks of pregnancy, long before most women suspect they are pregnant. Defects in formation of neural tube (brain & spinal cord)

Pantothenic Acid

Panthothenic acid (Greek : Pantos-everywhere) formerly known as chick anti dermatitis factor. Its metabolic role as Coenzyme A is also widespread. The function of pantothenic acid are exerted through coenzyme A or CoA ( A for acetylation) . Coenzyme A is a central molecule involved in all the metabolism (carbohydrate, lipid and protein). It play a unique role in integrating various metabolism pathways. More than 70 enzymes that depend on coenzyme A are known.

Pantothenic Deficiency

The burning feet syndrome pain and numbness in the toes, sleeplessness, fatigue, neuromuscular degeneration and adrenocortical insufficiency.

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)

Functions of Vitamin C

Enhances absorption of iron Collagen Formation Bile acid synthesis Antioxidant Activity

Vitamin C Deficiency

Deficiency: called scurvy Most scurvy symptoms are due to collagen breakdown Loss of appetite Growth cessation Bleeding gums Swollen ankles and wrists hemorrhages in the skin, muscle &bone wound healing Anemia Red spots on skin Weakness low resistance to infections

Minerals

Minerals in human body

More than 25 have been isolated from the body. 22 elements have been shown to be essential (excluding C,H, and O) Minerals make up about 4 to 5% of body weight (for a 70 kg individual: 2.8 kg)

Minerals (Function)
Minerals = Inorganic elemental atoms that are essential nutrients and electrolytes. Not changed by digestion or metabolism. 1. Nutritionally essential 2. Serve both structural and functional roles in the body. Structural minerals (calcium and phosphorus) are the major inorganic matrix of bone and teeth. Functional minerals (calcium, phosphorus and all the others) Participation in all cellular activities Serve as enzyme cofactors or in oxidation/reduction reactions. Maintain the delicate cellular fluid balance Maintain the acid-base balance in body fluids Control the osmolarity in the fluid compartment provide for electrochemical nerve activity Regulate muscle tone and activity (including organ muscles like heart, stomach, liver, etc

Minerals (Function)
2. 4. Nutritionally beneficial 3. Effects of boron in the presence of Vitamin D depletion Pharmacologically beneficial 5. 6. Fluoride to prevent dental caries

Lithium salts to treat maniac depression

Classification

Macro or Major minerals

Sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, sulfur, chloride

Micro or Trace minerals

Chromium, manganese, iron, cobalt, molybdenum, copper, zinc, fluoride, iodine, selenium, silicon, tin, arsenic, nickel Present in body tissues at concentrations <50 mg/kg

Present in body tissues at concentrations >50 mg/kg

Those present at ( g/dL) in body fluids or (mg/kg) in tissue = Trace elements Those found at ng/dL or g/kg = Ultratrace elements

Important minerals
Macro
Element Ca P K Na Cl S Mg g/kg 15 10 2 1.6 1.1 1.5 0.4 Element Fe Zn Cu Mo Se I Mn Co

Trace
mg/kg 20-50 10-50 1-5 1-4 1-2 0.3-0.6 0.2-0.5 0.02-0.1

Calcium

Calcium Deficiencies
Rickets

in growing animals
Osteomalacia Milk

(osteoporosis)

in adult animals

fever (parturient paresis)

in lactating animals

Phosphorus (P)
Functions of Phosphorus

Component of cell membranes & walls (Phospholipids) Structural & functional roles in body Component of Nucleic acids and ATP Acid-base balance High energy phosphate compounds Protein synthesis important in energy metabolism and Energy transfer Maintenance of blood pH

Deficiencies include
Rickets or osteomalacia Pica (depraved appetite)

Magnesium
Functions in more than 300 enzyme systems:
cofactor of all enzymes involved in phosphate transfer reactions that use ATP and other nucleotide triphosphates such as:

- phosphatases -Pyrophosphatases Most metabolically active tissues: brain, heart, liver and kidney
Essential for the conversion of vitamin D to its biologically active form to help absorb and use calcium. Prevents cardiovascular disease.

CNS (central nervous system): Prevents the calcification of soft tissue Bone strength and springiness

Magnesium

Second most plentiful cation in intracellular fluids.

Deficiencies Hypomagnesemic tetany poor nervous and muscular control Abnormal nerve & muscle function

Functions of Trace Minerals in the Body

Cofactors

Metalloenzyme
Components

of nonenzymatic

molecules Provide structure to mineralized tissues

Iron (Fe) Functions of Iron

Oxygen Iron

transport: hemoglobin

reservoir: myoglobin energy metabolism

Cellular

Oxygen Transport: Hemoglobin

Iron deficiency
Initial symptoms are vague and ill-defined

easy fatigability lack of appetite headache dizziness Palpitations decreased exercise tolerance.

Impaired intellectual abilities in children

then: hypochromic-microcytic anemia

microcytosis (small RBCs) hypochromia (poor fill of hemoglobin) poikilocytosis (bizarre shapes) anisocytosis (variable sizes)

Low Fe levels correlated with akathisia (Greek word meaning cant sit down) or the restless leg syndrome (RLS) Over supplementation with Fe causes recurrent illnesses in athletes and infants.

Copper (Cu)
Cu functions

Energy Production Connective tissue formation Iron metabolism Melanin synthesis Antioxidant functions Regulation of gene expression

Copper Deficiency

Deficiency Anemia Bone disorders

Iodine
Function
Essential component of thyroid hormones: Thyroxine (T4), Triiodothyronine (T3) Important for regulation of body temperature, basal metabolic rate, reproduction and growth.

Regulation in body Almost all is absorbed. Excess removed in urine.

Iodine Deficiency
Goiter

(less severe)

Enlarged thyroid gland due to bodys attempt to increase thyroid hormone production
Cretinism

(more severe)

Severe iodine deficiency during pregnancyserious problems in baby

Stunted growth, deaf, mute, mentally retarded.

To prevent the development of endemic goiter, table salt has been spiked with sodium iodide.

Zinc
Functions of Zinc

Cofactor
RNA synthesis

Stabilizes proteins that regulate gene expression

Zinc fingers

Antioxidant Stabilizes cell membranes

Biological roles

Part of every cell. Important for body immunity and strength. Male sexual function, male hormone metabolism, sperm formation, sperm motility. Deficiency may cause infertility. Vital role during pregnancy

Zinc Deficiency Deficiencies include poor growth, delayed wound healing, Skin irritations, diarrhea, impairment of sexual development